What Is a Blanket? A Look at Its History

A blanket is a piece of soft fabric used for warmth and comfort, commonly placed on top of bedding or draped over the body while resting. Unlike a comforter or duvet, which are thicker and filled with materials like down or cotton, blankets are typically lighter and more versatile. They can be used alone in warmer seasons or layered with other bedding in colder weather.

The history of the blanket dates back as early as the 7th century. The Chinese traveler and scholar Xuanzang, during his journey from the Tang Dynasty along the Silk Road to India, mentioned this ancient item. He referred to it as “Kambala”, a material woven from sheep’s wool or goat’s hair, which he classified as a type of clothing fabric. Over time, the blanket evolved from these traditional woolen origins into an essential household item, now available in a wide range of blanket sizes and materials to meet modern needs.

Why Blanket Size Matters ?

Choosing the right blanket size is more important than many people realize. A blanket that is too small may not provide enough coverage, while one that is too large can feel heavy and awkward to use. The proper size ensures comfort, warmth, and a neat appearance on your bed or sofa.

For example, a full blanket size is designed to fit a full or double bed, while a queen size blanket offers extra width and length to properly cover a queen mattress. A king size blanket provides maximum coverage for larger beds, ensuring that both sleepers stay warm throughout the night. On the other hand, a throw blanket is much smaller and is often used for decorative purposes or for keeping warm on a couch or chair.

Understanding standard blanket dimensions helps you select the best blanket for your bed size and personal needs. Whether you are shopping for everyday use or looking for a cozy throw, knowing the right size will make your choice easier and more satisfying.

Blanket Size Chart 

Throw blanket                           (50"x60") 

Throw XL blanket                      (50"x70")

Twin blanket                              (60"x80")

Full blanket                                (84"x90")

Queen blanket                           (90“x90")

King blanket                              (108"x90”)

Oversized King blanket             (120"x120")

Throw blanket

This type of blanket usually measures 50" × 60". If your bed is a twin size (38" × 75") or a Twin XL (38" × 80"), the blanket will fit well. Its width is wide enough to cover the entire bed, and its length is sufficient to keep your whole body warm.

Throw XL blanket

A Throw XL blanket measures 50" × 70". It is 10 inches longer than a standard throw (50" × 60") while keeping the same width. On a Twin bed (38" × 75") or Twin XL bed (38" × 80"), the 50-inch width gives about 6 inches of drape on each side (50" − 38" = 12", roughly 6" per side). The 70-inch length offers noticeably more toe coverage than a standard throw.

Throw blanket (50" × 60") or Throw XL blanket (50" × 70") is not suitable for a Full bed (54" × 75") or any larger size. The 50-inch width simply cannot cover the full width of the mattress. And—you know what—if two people are sharing the bed but only using one throw, chances are it won’t keep both of you warm. In that case, you may need two throws so each person can stay cozy.

Twin blanket 

Twin blanket usually measures 60" × 80". It works well on a Full/Double bed (54" × 75") and of course on smaller sizes like a Twin (38" × 75") or Twin XL (38" × 80"). If you place it on a Queen bed (60" × 80"), it technically fits, but the blanket won’t have any extra width to drape over the sides. On a King bed (76" × 80") or a California King (72" × 84"), a Twin blanket becomes far too narrow and is simply not suitable for full coverage.

Full blanket

Full blanket typically measures 84" × 90", which is already large enough to fit almost any bed size. And—well, you know—if your bed somehow has three slim sleepers sharing it, this blanket might still do the job.

Queen blanket 

Queen blanket usually measures 90" × 90"—wow, that’s really quite large! If you enjoy oversized blankets, this is definitely a good choice. With its generous dimensions, it can easily cover a California King bed (72" × 84") as well as any smaller bed size. And for personal use, it’s so big that you could probably wrap your whole body in it for a cozy cocoon-like feel.

King blanket 

King blanket measures 108" × 90", making it even larger than a Queen blanket. You know, if you’re a really big guy, this size is a perfect match. Or, if you’ve got a bunch of kids who love to pile into bed, this blanket will cover everyone. In short, it’s really big.

Oversized King blanket 

Oversized King blanket measures a whopping 120" × 120"—my goodness, you don’t see this size very often! If you love truly gigantic blankets, this one’s for you. With its massive dimensions, it’s not just for beds; it’s also perfect for family gatherings. Just imagine everyone cuddled together on the sofa, wrapped under this mega blanket, watching the latest Netflix series—that’s pure happiness.

Bed & Blanket Size Compatibility Chart

If you’d like to know which blanket size fits your sofa perfectly, just check out this guide.

Conclusion

You can choose the right blanket size based on your bed dimensions, or simply select a blanket according to your personal preference for comfort and coverage. Whether you need a full blanket, a queen size blanket, a king size blanket, or a cozy throw blanket, knowing the standard dimensions will make your shopping easier.

We hope this blanket size guide helps you find the perfect fit for your home, bedroom, or living space.

Ever thought about having a blanket that’s uniquely yours? With Leis, you can make it happen. Our custom orders start at just 10 pieces, so you can design matching blankets for family and friends together. It’s not only a special gift idea but also the best way to enjoy group discounts.